Top Ten List: Aussie Sayings (Part One)

To start, here is a clip of a hilarious Australian comdeian. His accent and diction will give you an idea of what I am talking about in the following list. Enjoy.



I was inspired to create this list based on my dramatic influx of social contact with Aussies while working at a restaurant in the largest mall in the southern hemisphere (even though I think there are probably about 4 others to compete with. Unless, those Chileans are really into shopping or something...). It has been a fun job. For some reason, completely unbeknownst to me, they decided to make me in charge of cooking all of the pre-made sandwiches and wraps and preparing all of the salads. I think it is because I am one of the two straight males working the place. Ton of gay Indians. And I digress...

This job has me dealing with Aussies all day every day. All of this social interaction has allowed me to pick out and understand the phrases at which I would nod, smile, and hope for the best. The criterion used to determine the list, in order of importance, includes:

Frequency of Use
Foreignness
Ridiculousness

10) "Bogan"

When Australians think of typical Americans, three stereotypes come to mind:
A) Celebrities (non-Athlete)
B) Athletes
C) White-trash Rednecks

When we think of Australians, we typically think of a white-trashy kangaroo wrangling crocodile wrestler. While both sets of stereotypes are clearly not all-inclusive, they both have some truth. Australians, however, have a term for their group of rednecks that I had never heard until I arrived: Bogans (pronounced Bow-Gins).

This term can also be used as an adjective to describe something trashy. For example, whenever Riley and I bring our broke-derrieres to a BYO function with Australians, we tend to go the cheap route. Box Wine, or "goon," is our drink of choice to avoid spending much money on a given night. Whenever we show up with this a box of this god-forsaken nectar, the Aussie's will say, "That's so bogan."

At least they are saying it and not just thinking it and writing us off as total bogans.

9) "Awww, what a ripper!"

A ripper is something awesome that deserves praise. For example, I have heard someone say, "Awww, mate! Check out that car! What a ripper!" Or, "Oy, mate. How about that storm last night? What a ripper!"

All in all, ripper is actually a pretty cool word that I could see infiltrating American dialect.

8) "Yaa, Yaa...Naaa"

This phrase, as opposed to ripper, really bothers me. You can ask an Aussie something like:

Me: Hello fellow employee of Capital Kitchen, did you happen to watch Californication on the television last night?"

Right as I start to say Californication, this is what happens. The italics are what I was saying

Me/Aussie: (Did you happen) Yaaa (to watch) Yaaa (Californication on the television last night?) Yaaa, Naaaa.

Basically, while I am asking them the simple question, the are interrupting by saying "Yaa" every so often, leading me to expect an affirmative answer. Sure enough, they will follow with "Yaa, Naaaaa." Meaning the answer is, in fact, No. Ridiculous.

7) "No Drama"

Fortunately, for someone completely new to the hospitality industry, Australians are notoriously laid back. Whenever I over-cook a poached chicken wrap, forget to bring coffee stirrers, or accidentally slip rat poison into the salad dressing, the post-apology response is often "Awww, No Drama."

In America, we thrive off of drama. Hell, a massive genre of television catalyzed in the concept of drama: Reality TV. The only semblance of reality TV and "drama" existing in Australia is the show Big Brother. Yet another example of the rest of the world living in our increasingly corn-fueled wake. Big Brother??? That show only existed on the basis that it was uncensored online in every room of the house 24/7.

Anyway, the phrase "no drama" is often used and deserves a spot on the list.

6) "Ta"

I was recently informed that "ta" is also used by the English, but it is completely foreign to me and I've never been to England so I cant trust the "cheeky" bastards.

"Ta" is the most casual way possible to say thank you. It is most often used in passing. For instance, when I bring someone a coffee while they are on their "mobiles" or talking to a mate, they will simply mutter "ta." The first few times, I thought the bogan skip bitch (apparently, Skip Bitch is the best way to cut the knees out from an irrationally emotional Australian woman. A skip or skippie is a nickname for a Kangaroo. I am definitely keeping this one in my back pocket for the NEXT time I am having a nice conversation with an aussie girl and she blind sides me with "You know...you Americans aren't as awesome as you think you are! You think you are the best! Well, you are wrong Mister!" Had I known this phrase at the time, I surely would have rebuttled with, "Who are you kidding? You aren't converting from analog to digital cable until 2013 (true story)! So 2008. Find a way to get some more water in your country. Increase that GNP and live in the now you Skip Bitch." Alas, I guess I will just have to provoke an attack at some point. Really long parentheses) was saying "ta ta," as in "Scram, you red, white, and blue stallion!" But, no. She was simply thanking me in one syllable.


There you have it. Part one of my top ten Aussie sayings list. I was going to do the entire list, but my random tangents made it go too long and I need to wake up for work tomorrow.

Cheers. Watch more of Carl Barron. Really funny dude.